Is the school year really over?!?! It’s hard to believe but that’s what everyone is telling me. This state of denial helped me get through the day without tearing up. My softer side was never on full display. There has been an abundance of beautiful connections made with many mini humans!
I sincerely LOVE my students. I want the best for each and everyone of them. Every day I go to work I get a glimpse of the future. Not only that but I get to help shape it!
Encouraging and facilitating opportunities to think critically and express themselves has helped them develop empathy and make connections between concepts and historical events. Teaching them to connect ideas with underlying layers of geography, human drive, and government has helped shaped their world view. Watching children reach their own insights is an instant dopamine release for me! Few things bring greater joy!!!
This job has challenged me in ways beyond anything I faced as an EMT, Hotshot, Marine, or Smokejumper. It’s been tough! If it were easy - it probably wouldn’t be worth it!!!
Teaching second grade has been the most meaningful thing I’ve done with my life!
It’s especially awesome to expose these young souls to someone, who may lack a limb, but refuses to tap out. More importantly, I’m sure my students sense every day, I show up and deliver, not just enough to keep my job, but to deliver the most enthusiastic and effective lessons in the world!
It means so much to me to know that I mean so much to my students. Nonetheless, there’s been a handful, that were tough to connect with. A few students were simply defiant as their default mode. I refrain from any sort of power struggles. I have enough experience to know it’s an exercise in futility. Whether students are amenable softies or rebellious challenges - interacting with them is still a privilege!
It doesn’t escape me, I get to spend more time with these children than some of their parents. This is a privilege and huge responsibility. Families put significant trust in me. I’ve had a few “tense” back and forths with a few parents. The criticism directed toward me is often based on a lack of knowledge of the situation.
I’m responsible for this as clear communication with families is one of my many responsibilities. These exchanges have been tense because they seem directed at undermining my competency as an educator. I don’t think parents have offered me ample opportunity to explain the situation while directing harsh statements at the discretion used in my decisions.
It hasn’t even been a full day yet but I already miss my students! I know change is the only constant. Two months of splendid summer activities, memories, and noteworthy growth - they won’t be the same sweet 2nd graders I just said farewell to. I LOVE them so much!
I love having some discretion in what I teach and how I go about it. I love shaping the future. I’m in love with the innocent and imaginative minds I get to affect. The students will never forget their one legged teacher. I will never forget them! There’s no shortage of LOVE to go around! This is what I’m made for!!!